Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

At the Futurebuild event, a significant focus was placed on addressing the climate and ecological emergency within the built environment, which is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. The challenges faced by the industry include reliance on fossil fuels, inadequate insulation, and substantial waste generation during construction. Additionally, urban planning often prioritizes single-occupancy vehicles over community health and sustainability, leading to disconnected neighborhoods with limited green spaces.

To tackle these issues, the organization introduced the One Planet Living framework, which outlines ten actionable principles aimed at fostering sustainable development. For instance, the WGV at White Gum Valley in Western Australia exemplifies a climate-resilient design that promotes healthy living through cooler homes and ample green spaces. Similarly, Greencore Homes' Kings Farm Close features a remarkable 40% of its housing as affordable, demonstrating a commitment to equity and local economic support.

The case study also highlights the transformation of Disneyland’s Les Villages Nature Paris, which converted an intensively farmed area into a thriving wildlife habitat by planting 28,000 trees and 430,000 plants. This initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also connects residents with nature. In terms of water sustainability, East Village in Knutsford, Australia, employs rainwater harvesting for various household uses, showcasing practical measures that can significantly reduce water consumption.

Moreover, the Zibi development in Ottawa is creating a walkable, mixed-use community that minimizes car dependency, while Springfield Meadows by Ssassy Property is pioneering the use of hemp and lime panels to cut embodied carbon emissions by an impressive 90%. The BedZED project exemplifies circular economy principles by reclaiming nearly all its steel, significantly reducing waste in construction.

Finally, the Elmsbrook development demonstrates the feasibility of achieving net-zero carbon buildings, with residents benefiting from annual savings of £400 on energy bills. These tailored solutions not only address the immediate challenges of sustainability in the built environment but also provide quantifiable benefits that enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to broader ecological goals.